Responsible for the user-facing software that operates and monitors the tunnel boring machine.
Overview
As a Software Engineer, you will build the interfaces that let the team operate, monitor, and debug our new-generation Micro Tunnel Boring Machine (MTBM) — successor to the award-winning Groundhog Gamma. You’ll work closely with the controls, electrical, and testing teams to surface the right data at the right time, from the operator console to the on-site dashboards.
The following requirements outline the optimal profile for this position. All of them can be learned or extended throughout your experience within the team — we encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every criterion. Your reliability, commitment, and passion for innovation are the traits we value most.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Design and build operator-facing interfaces and dashboards (web or desktop).
- Wire frontends to the on-board control system and live telemetry streams.
- Visualize sensor data, machine state, and diagnostics in a way humans can act on.
- Collaborate with the controls and electrical teams on data contracts and protocols.
- Support testing and competition runs by iterating quickly on the UI.
- Document the architecture, components, and how to extend them.
- Attend weekly meetings and working sessions and contribute to the association’s culture.
Qualifications & Skills
- Background or interest in software engineering, computer science, or a related field.
- Some experience with a modern frontend stack (React, Vue, Svelte, Qt, or similar).
- Comfort with JavaScript/TypeScript, or willingness to learn — Python or C++ on the side is welcome.
- Curiosity about real-time data, WebSockets, MQTT, or telemetry visualization (D3, Plotly, etc.).
- An eye for clean, functional UI; understands that operator UIs are not marketing pages.
- Strong communication and organizational skills; comfortable working across disciplines.
- Passion for tunneling and applied research.
Benefits
- Meet skilled, highly motivated people and build long-lasting relationships beyond the association.
- Sharpen technical and decision-making skills on a real machine; option to integrate your contribution into a semester or research thesis.
- Exchange with experts from research and industry across the project’s partner network.
Workload
Expected workload is around 10–12 hours per week, with approximately one to two hours of meetings and the rest individual or group work. You will attend the team’s working session on the weekly meeting day for around three to five hours. The remaining time is at your discretion.
Workplaces
We provide offices and workspaces in Zürich at ETH’s Student Project House (SPH) and in Dübendorf. From day one you can work independently and take responsibility for your duties and deliverables. During weekly meetings and team working sessions you must physically attend at Empa or justify your absence to your team lead.
Application
Apply by sending an email to apply@swisslooptunneling.ch or by filling out the form on our website https://swisslooptunneling.ch/join-us/ with the following:
- Your CV
- Motivation for applying and position of interest
Application deadline is the 7th of June 2026!
Please note that SLT is a voluntary research organization and does not offer any paid employment.